11.  Most fruits are low in protein, essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, zinc and iron.

12.  Once in the body, beta carotene can be split into two parts, each of which becomes a molecule of vitamin A, an essential fat-soluble vitamin.

13.  Some items are ordinary enough, including hefty doses of all the essential vitamins and minerals.

14.  Then there are the potential side effects, which can include indigestion, diarrhea-like symptoms and the loss of certain essential vitamins and minerals.

15.  You need optimal amounts of the essential vitamins and minerals to keep your immune system humming along.

16.  But it said the absorption of essential vitamins needs to be studied further.